Understanding the levels of progress

The five levels of progress are described below, with a useful downloadable summary table here.

Each level has it own personality, and you will likely recognise your organisation as generally belonging to one of these as soon as you see them.

It is unlikely that many organisations will be achieving Level 5 (pioneer) throughout, though we hope to encourage some to strive for that level. Likewise, very few organisations will be at Level 1 (at risk) for any principle.

Level 1: At risk

This is the lowest level an organisation can be at in the framework. As the name suggests, an organisation at this level is at risk of breaching legal, regulatory or contractual obligations related to the principle.

Level 2: Beginner

At this level an organisation is doing all that is required to be legally compliant. It understands that acting in the best interests of the customer, staff, the environment and the wider economy is necessary to stay in business.

Level 3: Performer

An organisation at this level is beginning to see and act on the competitive opportunities in sustainable development. It remains one of a number of competing priorities but key people throughout the organisation are driving for a more sustainable operating model. Individual areas in the business or particular programmes of work are taking comprehensive action to embed sustainability into their operations and strategy. Other areas of the organisation may be lagging behind.

Level 4: Leader

Sustainable development is seen as a big opportunity. The organisation is doing everything that it can within the current industry and organisational context to move towards a more sustainable operating model. The entire organisation is centred on this as a core purpose. It is leading initiatives that bring the industry together to achieve change that cannot be delivered at individual organisational level.

Level 5: Pioneer

A pioneer pushes the traditionally accepted boundaries. It is an organisation that is challenging the way in which the industry operates and going beyond expectations for its role. It invests heavily in innovation, and has fostered a culture where everyone is empowered to contribute to moving towards a more sustainable operating model.

Click an image above to see the description

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) uses and protects any information by those (the "Visitors") using the Sustainable Development Self-assessment website (the "Site") and those (the "User") who have registered to access the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework (the framework).

RSSB is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using the framework, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

RSSB may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 1st September 2011.

1. What we collect

Information collected from Users

Name and job title

Contact information including email address

Company information

Framework browsing activity

Information collected from Visitors

Site browsing activity

2. What do we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service and in particular for the following reasons:

We will use the information to improve the accessibility of the Framework and the Site

To notify you about the latest news and updates to the Framework and the Site.

We will also use analytical software/tools to help to evaluate Visitors and Users use of the Framework and the Site

We will not sell, distribute or lease Users personal information to third parties.

3. How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular website. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. We use cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve the Framework and the Site in order to tailor it to User and Visitor needs.

A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer.

4. Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

5. Links to other websites

The Framework and the Site may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our website, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such websites and such websites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

6. Controlling your personal Information

You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you would like a copy of the information held please write to:

Accessibility Statement

The Rail Safety and Standards Board is committed and actively working to ensure that the Sustainable Development Self-assessment Website (http://sustainablerailprogramme.rssb.co.uk/) is useable and accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, capability or technology.

You can change the way this website looks to suit your preferences. The settings that do this differ from browser to browser, but most browsers offer some or all of the following:

Text Size

If the size of the text too small you can easily adjust it by using the font size setting in your browser.

If you use Internet Explorer 6, go to the "View" menu, select "Text Size" and then select "Larger".

If you use Internet Explorer 7 and 8 or Firefox, you can resize text using the zoom function by pressing and holding down "Ctrl" and "+". This will then zoom in allowing users with low vision to see the text more clearly. Use "Ctrl" and "-" to decrease the zoom again.

Adjusting text and colour

Users who rely on screen magnifiers can find white backgrounds give off a glare. The background and text can be changed by changing some settings in your browser.

If you are using Internet Explorer, look in the 'Tools' menu, select "Internet Options", select "Colors" and make changes to text and background colours in the "Colors" panel.

If these changes don’t take effect immediately – look in the 'Tools' menu, select "Internet Options", select “Accessibility” and make the necessary changes under “Formatting”.

Adobe Acrobat PDF and accessibility

The documents on Sustainable Development Self-assessment Website are publications created in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe Reader enables you to read PDFs. The latest version of Adobe Reader can be obtained from the Adobe website. Later versions offer more accessibility options than earlier versions.

Terms of Use

Welcome to the Sustainable Development Self-assessment website (the “Site”). If you continue to browse and use this Site and/or registered to use the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework , you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms of use, which together with our Privacy Policy govern the Rail Safety and Standards Board’s (RSSB) relationship with you in relation to this Site. Please read theses terms of use carefully before you start to use the Site.

If you disagree with any part of these terms of use, please do not use this Site.

The term ‘RSSB’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the Site whose registered office is The Helicon, 1 South Place, London, EC2M 2RB, United Kingdom. Our company registration number is 04655675, registered in England and Wales.

The term ‘You’ refers to those using the Site and those who have registered to access the framework.

Terms of use effective from 01/01/2012.

Modifications and additions

We make changes to these terms of use at anytime. Changes will be posted here and are effective immediately. Regularly reviewing this page ensures that you are always aware of the terms of use of this Site.

About this website

This Site contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the content, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

Unauthorised use of this Site may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.

Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise identified, we are the owner and licensee of all intellectual property rights on the Site, and material published on it. These works are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.

You must not sell, distribute, license any part of the Site or carry out activities that do not relate directly to the promotion of safety culture within your own organisation for commercial purposes. Doing so would be infringing RSSB’s intellectual property rights.

Acceptable use policy

You agree to use this Site for lawful purposes only. You must not use this site for any of the following:

to send, state, publish, use or reuse any material which is offensive, abusive, defamatory, indecent, obscene, threatening or illegal or in breach of copyright, trade mark, confidence, privacy or any other rights

to transmit any chain letters, spam letters, or junk e-mail or participate in mischievous or malicious behaviour which causes or may cause damage, annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to this website or any other party

You may not avoid or attempt to avoid security measures or try to modify the site content except as expressly permitted.

We reserve the right to exclude a particular user from the Site, and/or delete their details, if they abuse it (which could include, but is not limited to, hacking, submission of obscenities, fraud or the spreading of computer viruses). We may also make changes to a service without warning; this may include the removal of a service at any time.

In the interests of all our visitors to the Site and registered users of the framework, we will co-operate with investigations by any law enforcement agency or relevant authority of suspected criminal activity or violation of systems or networks.

Links to external websites

This Site will also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your own convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s)

Websites that we link to are not governed by the terms of use policy. You should look at the terms of use/terms and conditions applicable to the website in question.

User accounts and passwords

Registered users who have access to the framework are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any username and password given to access the framework, and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your password.

You agree to notify RSSB immediately if you suspect or encounter any unauthorised use of your username and/or password.

Security and virus protection

You must not misuse our Site by knowingly introducing computer viruses, malicious programs, or attack the Site. You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Site, the server on which the site is stored or any server, computer or database connected to the Site.

Breaching this provision would be committing a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. We will report any such breach to the relevant law enforcement authorities and will co-operate with those authorities by disclosing your identity. In all instances outlined above, your access to our Site will cease immediately.

We accept no liability for any loss, disruption or damage to your computer system or your data caused by using this Site or arising as a result of having used the Site.

Data protection

User’s information will be managed in accordance with the law, including the Data Protection Act 1998. For further information please read our privacy policy.

Liability

The information displayed on the Site is provided without any guarantees, conditions, representations or warranties as to its accuracy. To the extent permitted by law, we, other members of our group of companies and third parties associated to us hereby expressly exclude:

All conditions, representations, warranties and other terms which might otherwise be implied by statute, common law or the law of equity.

Any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage incurred by any user in connection with our site or in connection with the use, inability to use, or results of the use of the Site, any websites linked to it and information posted on it, including, without limitation any liability for:

Loss of income or revenue;

Loss of business;

Loss of profits or contracts;

Loss of anticipated savings;

Loss of data;

Loss of goodwill;

Wasted management office time; and

For any other loss or damage of any kind, however arising and whether caused by tort (including negligence), breach of contract or otherwise, even if foreseeable.

Nothing in these terms shall affect our liability for death or personal injury arising from our negligence, not out liability for fraudulent misrepresentation or misrepresentation as to a fundamental matter, not any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

We will not be held liable for any failure to comply with these terms and conditions, where such failure is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Reliance on information on the Site

Information posted on the Site is not intended to amount to advice on which reliance should be placed. Neither we, nor any third party who has assisted us in the creation of the Site, have knowledge of the requirements of your business and by allowing you to access and use our site we do not undertake any duty of care towards you in relation to the implementation of sustainable development within your organisation.

We therefore disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by any visitor to our site, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents.

Applicable law

Your use of this Site and any dispute arising out of such use of the Site is subject to the laws of England.

If You use information or services provided on this Site outside the UK, you are responsible for ensuring your use conforms to local laws as well as the laws of England.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk outputs from the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework for your personal and non-commercial use only.

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute, adapt, change or commercially exploit the content of the site. Nor may you transmit or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) uses and protects any information by those (the "Visitors") using the Sustainable Development Self-assessment website (the "Site") and those (the "User") who have registered to access the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework (the framework).

RSSB is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using the framework, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

RSSB may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 1st September 2011.

1. What we collect

Information collected from Users

Name and job title

Contact information including email address

Company information

Framework browsing activity

Information collected from Visitors

Site browsing activity

2. What do we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service and in particular for the following reasons:

We will use the information to improve the accessibility of the Framework and the Site

To notify you about the latest news and updates to the Framework and the Site.

We will also use analytical software/tools to help to evaluate Visitors and Users use of the Framework and the Site

We will not sell, distribute or lease Users personal information to third parties.

3. How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular website. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. We use cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve the Framework and the Site in order to tailor it to User and Visitor needs.

A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer.

4. Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

5. Links to other websites

The Framework and the Site may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our website, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such websites and such websites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

6. Controlling your personal Information

You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you would like a copy of the information held please write to:

Accessibility Statement

The Rail Safety and Standards Board is committed and actively working to ensure that the Sustainable Development Self-assessment Website (http://sustainablerailprogramme.rssb.co.uk/) is useable and accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, capability or technology.

You can change the way this website looks to suit your preferences. The settings that do this differ from browser to browser, but most browsers offer some or all of the following:

Text Size

If the size of the text too small you can easily adjust it by using the font size setting in your browser.

If you use Internet Explorer 6, go to the "View" menu, select "Text Size" and then select "Larger".

If you use Internet Explorer 7 and 8 or Firefox, you can resize text using the zoom function by pressing and holding down "Ctrl" and "+". This will then zoom in allowing users with low vision to see the text more clearly. Use "Ctrl" and "-" to decrease the zoom again.

Adjusting text and colour

Users who rely on screen magnifiers can find white backgrounds give off a glare. The background and text can be changed by changing some settings in your browser.

If you are using Internet Explorer, look in the 'Tools' menu, select "Internet Options", select "Colors" and make changes to text and background colours in the "Colors" panel.

If these changes don’t take effect immediately – look in the 'Tools' menu, select "Internet Options", select “Accessibility” and make the necessary changes under “Formatting”.

Adobe Acrobat PDF and accessibility

The documents on Sustainable Development Self-assessment Website are publications created in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe Reader enables you to read PDFs. The latest version of Adobe Reader can be obtained from the Adobe website. Later versions offer more accessibility options than earlier versions.

Terms of Use

Welcome to the Sustainable Development Self-assessment website (the “Site”). If you continue to browse and use this Site and/or registered to use the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework , you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms of use, which together with our Privacy Policy govern the Rail Safety and Standards Board’s (RSSB) relationship with you in relation to this Site. Please read theses terms of use carefully before you start to use the Site.

If you disagree with any part of these terms of use, please do not use this Site.

The term ‘RSSB’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the Site whose registered office is The Helicon, 1 South Place, London, EC2M 2RB, United Kingdom. Our company registration number is 04655675, registered in England and Wales.

The term ‘You’ refers to those using the Site and those who have registered to access the framework.

Terms of use effective from 01/01/2012.

Modifications and additions

We make changes to these terms of use at anytime. Changes will be posted here and are effective immediately. Regularly reviewing this page ensures that you are always aware of the terms of use of this Site.

About this website

This Site contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the content, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

Unauthorised use of this Site may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.

Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise identified, we are the owner and licensee of all intellectual property rights on the Site, and material published on it. These works are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.

You must not sell, distribute, license any part of the Site or carry out activities that do not relate directly to the promotion of safety culture within your own organisation for commercial purposes. Doing so would be infringing RSSB’s intellectual property rights.

Acceptable use policy

You agree to use this Site for lawful purposes only. You must not use this site for any of the following:

to send, state, publish, use or reuse any material which is offensive, abusive, defamatory, indecent, obscene, threatening or illegal or in breach of copyright, trade mark, confidence, privacy or any other rights

to transmit any chain letters, spam letters, or junk e-mail or participate in mischievous or malicious behaviour which causes or may cause damage, annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to this website or any other party

You may not avoid or attempt to avoid security measures or try to modify the site content except as expressly permitted.

We reserve the right to exclude a particular user from the Site, and/or delete their details, if they abuse it (which could include, but is not limited to, hacking, submission of obscenities, fraud or the spreading of computer viruses). We may also make changes to a service without warning; this may include the removal of a service at any time.

In the interests of all our visitors to the Site and registered users of the framework, we will co-operate with investigations by any law enforcement agency or relevant authority of suspected criminal activity or violation of systems or networks.

Links to external websites

This Site will also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your own convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s)

Websites that we link to are not governed by the terms of use policy. You should look at the terms of use/terms and conditions applicable to the website in question.

User accounts and passwords

Registered users who have access to the framework are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any username and password given to access the framework, and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your password.

You agree to notify RSSB immediately if you suspect or encounter any unauthorised use of your username and/or password.

Security and virus protection

You must not misuse our Site by knowingly introducing computer viruses, malicious programs, or attack the Site. You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Site, the server on which the site is stored or any server, computer or database connected to the Site.

Breaching this provision would be committing a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. We will report any such breach to the relevant law enforcement authorities and will co-operate with those authorities by disclosing your identity. In all instances outlined above, your access to our Site will cease immediately.

We accept no liability for any loss, disruption or damage to your computer system or your data caused by using this Site or arising as a result of having used the Site.

Data protection

User’s information will be managed in accordance with the law, including the Data Protection Act 1998. For further information please read our privacy policy.

Liability

The information displayed on the Site is provided without any guarantees, conditions, representations or warranties as to its accuracy. To the extent permitted by law, we, other members of our group of companies and third parties associated to us hereby expressly exclude:

All conditions, representations, warranties and other terms which might otherwise be implied by statute, common law or the law of equity.

Any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage incurred by any user in connection with our site or in connection with the use, inability to use, or results of the use of the Site, any websites linked to it and information posted on it, including, without limitation any liability for:

Loss of income or revenue;

Loss of business;

Loss of profits or contracts;

Loss of anticipated savings;

Loss of data;

Loss of goodwill;

Wasted management office time; and

For any other loss or damage of any kind, however arising and whether caused by tort (including negligence), breach of contract or otherwise, even if foreseeable.

Nothing in these terms shall affect our liability for death or personal injury arising from our negligence, not out liability for fraudulent misrepresentation or misrepresentation as to a fundamental matter, not any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

We will not be held liable for any failure to comply with these terms and conditions, where such failure is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Reliance on information on the Site

Information posted on the Site is not intended to amount to advice on which reliance should be placed. Neither we, nor any third party who has assisted us in the creation of the Site, have knowledge of the requirements of your business and by allowing you to access and use our site we do not undertake any duty of care towards you in relation to the implementation of sustainable development within your organisation.

We therefore disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by any visitor to our site, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents.

Applicable law

Your use of this Site and any dispute arising out of such use of the Site is subject to the laws of England.

If You use information or services provided on this Site outside the UK, you are responsible for ensuring your use conforms to local laws as well as the laws of England.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk outputs from the Sustainable Development Self-assessment framework for your personal and non-commercial use only.

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute, adapt, change or commercially exploit the content of the site. Nor may you transmit or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.